By Pete McIntyre / Beach Radio Vernon

BCGEU says Gateway should “get out of the media”

Oct 2, 2018 | 5:26 PM

VERNON, B.C. — As the strike at Gateway Casinos drags on into its third month, the union is calling on the company to get out of the media, and get back to bargaining.

BC Government and Service Employees Union president Stephanie Smith says comments by the company that they are offering more than a living wage, including tips, is not credible.

“We’re saying that relying on tips is a smoke screen. This is a reward for excellent service and we’re saying that should not be hoisted on the patrons of the casinos,” Smith tells Beach Radio News.

Smith is accusing Gateway of putting profits before people and says they are waiting for a new offer from the company.

“These are not tactics we have not seen before from employers. Honestly, what we would like them to do is get out of the media and come back to the table and bargain a collective agreement that our members will be willing to vote on,” adds Smith.

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The 675 casino workers in Vernon, Kelowna. Kamloops and Penticton have been on strike since June 29th.

There have been no new talks since mediation broke off September 11th.

Smith says their 675 members are getting strike pay, but she didn’t say how much.

“There is a formula that is worked out. Some of our members are full time, some are part-time, so there is a formula that is worked out that is fair for all the members on the line.”

Click here for the previous story on Gateway Casino’s comments about a living wage offer.